Sunday, November 20, 2011

This irresistible baby owlet is practically purring with pleasure as her adoring owner spoils her rotten.

Though the final Harry Potter film has been and gone, our obsession with owls, fuelled by the loyal and intelligent pets used by Harry and his pals for their wizarding errands, continues unchecked.

Most of us are more likely to get a puppy for Christmas than an owl. But we can still fantasise.

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Too cute! Our obsession with owls, fuelled by the loyal and intelligent pets used by Harry and his wizarding pals, continues unchecked

And- unintentionally tapping into the passion for the curiously cute birds of prey-this incredible footage has clocked up nearly two million You Tube hits in two days.

The expression of bliss on the face of the adorable infant, as it gets a refreshing head rub from its unseen lady owl-keeper is pure magic.

Nearby the ominous presence of a stern 'jealous' adult owl builds suspense. And it's all, hilariously, set to music.

The star of the film is undoubtedly the Little Owl, named Molla, which means spring in Italian.

Pet love: Most of us are more likely to get a puppy for Christmas than an owl - but we can still fantasise

Bird in the hand: The star of the show is a Little Owl, named Molla, which means spring in Italian

Showdown: The footage was shot at 'i falconieri delle orobie', a medieval falconry event in the northern Italian municipality of Biassono, near Milan

Since the footage was shot at 'i falconieri delle Orobie', a medieval falconry event in the northern Italian municipality of Biassono, near Milan, a few days ago, little Molla has spawned a fan club and even has her own Facebook tribute page.

Last year India's environment minister warned that the craze for owl pets caused by Harry Potter mania was a threat to the country's 30 species.